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Hi I'm John Paul

About Me

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I am first and foremost a husband and a father of five children - four boys, one girl. I love my family and appreciate my relationships with each of them. I am a college graduate and a behavioral health counselor and licensed social worker. I love helping people and have spent nearly 19 years of my life in this pursuit.
When I am not working or attending any of my children's numerous events, I love working in my garden, enjoying uplifting music, playing the piano, writing, and pursuing my interest in genealogy. I have also been a Boy Scout leader for nearly ten years, and I am a member of a local Odd Fellows Lodge.

Why I am a Mormon

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I am a Mormon or member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, precisely because I believe in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know as surely as I live and breathe that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ in answer to sincere and fervent prayer. I know that through the instrumentality of his role as a prophet of God that the gospel of Jesus Christ, once lost to mankind, has been restored to the earth. Knowing this as I do, I could do nothing other than to be a member of the Church.
I am grateful that I have been able to enjoy the blessings of church membership, and I can think of nothing better than to share those same blessings with others. For this reason I attempt to live my life as an example and join my voice with others in the Church to testify that we are sons and daughters of a loving and eternal Father in Heaven who loves us. I testify also that he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, in the meridian of time to teach His gospel, to live as an example for each of us, and to atone for our sins. He died and was resurrected the third day. I know that He lives and that he stands at the head of the Church, that he speaks through a living prophet.
This knowledge brings peace in troubled times and an assurance that allows me to arise and go forth every day into a troubled world. For this I am thankful. For His peace I am thankful. These things I know are true, and I leave you my witness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

How I live my faith

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I strive to live my life as an example of a believer and follower of Christ. I do this mostly by trying to be obedient to the commandments of God and serving others around me.
In my church I have taught our youth, served as a local Scoutmaster, accompanied our choir, and I serve as a secretary in one of our church auxiliaries. I also serve as a "home teacher". This means that I visit about five families from my church each month in their home. We share a message with them and assist them if they have needs.
In my community I try to live as a good citizen. I believe in obeying the laws of the land. I work daily with individuals with behavioral health issues, including many who have been abused or neglected. Many of my clients are children. I work with them in the school setting, the legal system, and in their homes - attempting to help them correct problems and lead normal, healthy lives. I volunteer with my own children's organizations (such as the local high school band). I also serve in my lodge, helping to provide scholarships for local students and enjoying the company of my fellow community members.
I try to be honest and upright in all that I do. I believe that by doing this I am obedient to God and that I can truly call myself a follower of Christ.

How are the activities of the Mormon missionaries funded?

John Paul

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Missionaries of the church work to earn money and often receive some assistance from their families to serve. In essence, they pay their own way. I worked to earn money to serve a mission to Paraguay in South America. My brother served in Osaka, Japan. Other members of my family have served in Taiwan, Utah, New Zealand, Australia, and California. Each of us were willing to sacrifice two years of our lives and some of our money in order that others might have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our families were also blessed as they sacrificed along with us. Little wonder then that many returning missionaries say that these were two of the finest years of their lives.Show moreShow less

What is the Law of Chastity?

John Paul

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The law of chastity is very simple. Simply put, it is that we have no sexual relations with any person other than our spouse to whom we are legally and lawfully married. This may seem out of harmony with many in our world today, as standards seem to become more and more loose and as the world seems to slip from its moral moorings. However, I see the blessings that come from obedience to this commandment every day.
In my work, I see families that are torn apart by the infidelities of spouses. I see the struggles of teenage parents, unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood. I have seen the pain that comes as a result of abortion.
In contrast, in my family I have felt the peace that comes from a faithful spousal relationship. I know and understand the peace that my children feel, secure in the knowledge that their parents and grandparents are faithful to one another. I am grateful to a loving Father in Heaven for giving us laws for our benefit and happiness. I know this to be a divine principle, and I am happy to live it in spite of all the ridicule of the world.Show moreShow less

The family is a divine building block of society that can bring so much joy into life. Watch this video to learn why we need to be a part of the family we have today, discover more about our ancestors, and how we can be with our families forever.